Albaicín Quarter

The Albaicín is the oldest neighbourhood in Granada. It is one of the city's most iconic districts and the finest example of a Hispano-Muslim city in Andalusia. Located opposite the Sabika hill, it offers privileged views of the Alhambra.

This neighbourhood preserves its medieval urban layout and an essence that transports visitors to times gone by. Over the centuries, it has witnessed countless changes, from its origins in the Iberian and Roman periods, to its heyday under Muslim rule, and its transformation following the Christian conquest.

It is surrounded by emblematic areas closely linked to its history, such as the Sacromonte district, Calle Elvira, the Carrera del Darro, and the Paseo de los Tristes.

The name Albaicín derives from the Arabic al-bayyāzīn, which, according to the RAE’s Historical Dictionary, means “neighbourhood on a slope or incline”.

However, there are other theories regarding its origin. One of the most widespread holds that al-bayyāzīn means “the suburb of the falconers”. Another hypothesis suggests that the name emerged after the Christian conquest of Baeza, when many of its Muslim inhabitants fled to Granada and settled around its fortress. This new district was called al-Bayyazin, meaning “place of the people of Baeza”.

Nevertheless, we must not overlook the existence of other neighbourhoods named Albaicín both in Andalusia and in other parts of Spain, suggesting that the name’s origin is more likely related to its meaning as a “neighbourhood on a slope or incline” than to the other theories.

The district combines traditional Andalusian and Andalusi architecture. It is characterised by a labyrinthine layout, with narrow, cobbled streets that meander in a pattern inherited from Islamic Granada. Its alleyways intertwine with whitewashed houses, Moorish homes, cármenes (walled villas with gardens), churches built atop former mosques, small squares, manor houses, and cisterns that form part of the water system created by the Arabs.

The Albaicín was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

History of the Albaicín

The origins of the Albaicín date back to pre-Roman times, when the region was inhabited by the Iberians, who established small settlements in the area due to its strategic location. The first population centre of the Albaicín, which gave rise to the city of Granada, was known as Iliberri, and it extended between the present-day Plaza de San Miguel Bajo and San Nicolás.

It was during the Roman era, specifically under Julius Caesar, that the settlement was granted the status of Municipium under the name Florentia Iliberritana—a period of great prosperity that lasted until the 4th century AD. A testament to its importance is the fact that the first Christian council in Hispania, the Council of Elvira (or Concilio Iliberritano), was held here around the year 300.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Granada became part of the Visigothic kingdom, and the Albaicín underwent a process of ruralisation that persisted until the 11th century with the arrival of the Zirids.

The Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula from North Africa began with their landing in Gibraltar in 711 AD. The Umayyads established their capital in Medina Elvira (Madinat Ilbira), located in what are now the municipalities of Atarfe and Pinos Puente, while the Albaicín remained a sparsely populated rural area. It was not until 1013 that Zawi ben Ziri settled in the Albaicín and founded the Taifa of Granada, building a fortified medina known as Alcazaba Qadima, thus establishing the first Islamic city in the Albaicín.

A succession of tribes and internal conflicts among the various taifa kingdoms followed, until the Almohads took control of the Albaicín in 1157. Their rule lasted until 1212, when the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa marked a turning point in the Christian Reconquista. During this period, the Albaicín experienced rapid growth as people fled from territories taken by the Christians. As a result, several suburbs emerged outside the walls surrounding the Alcazaba Qadima.

In 1238, with the arrival of Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Ahmar (“Alhamar” or “the Red One”), the Alhambra became the new centre of power, relegating the Albaicín to a secondary role. This marked the beginning of the final period of Andalusi rule in both Granada and the West: the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.

Despite this, the Albaicín continued to grow and became the most populous and important suburb of Granada. It had its own public baths and enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy, with its own great mosque (aljama). To ensure its protection, Sultan Yusuf I ordered the construction of a defensive wall known as the Cerca de Don Gonzalo, turning it into a fortified city within Granada.

After the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs in Granada in 1492, the Moriscos of the Albaicín were initially allowed to keep their religion and legal system in an atmosphere of relative tolerance. However, this changed in 1499 with the policies imposed by Cardinal Cisneros, which violated the terms of the Capitulations and sparked the Albaicín uprising. The revolt lasted ten days but ultimately failed to overturn the new regulations.

The 16th century saw a deep process of Christianisation of the neighbourhood. Churches were built over former mosques, convents were established, and religious orders occupied ancient buildings. Meanwhile, the Carrera del Darro became home to noble families who constructed lavish mansions.

The expulsions ordered by the Crown of Castile led to a decline in population and a shift in the social structure of the neighbourhood, which gradually fell into decline due to neglect, natural disasters, and a lack of investment.

This situation did not improve in the following centuries. In the 19th century, the Albaicín remained a marginal area. However, it became a picturesque spot for the many Romantic travellers who visited Granada during that period. Most residents were humble folk living in simple houses with small vegetable plots and animal pens, where they raised goats and chickens.

The 19th century also saw the emergence of the Carmen, a traditional type of Granada dwelling. The word Carmen comes from the Arabic karm, meaning a villa with a garden or orchard. These houses are enclosed by walls that protect the gardens and provide privacy and freshness.

In the 20th century, urban development policies were introduced to improve the neighbourhood’s accessibility and promote the conservation and enhancement of its heritage.

Thanks to these preservation efforts, the Albaicín was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Today, the Fundación Albaicín-Granada is responsible for continuing the protection and promotion of this historic district.

Visiting the Albaicín

Below is a selection of monuments, viewpoints, and landmarks that form part of the Albaicín.

Andalusian Period

- Aljibe de Trillo, a cistern from the Nasrid period.

- Minaret of the Almorabitun (11th century), now the bell tower of the Church of San José.

- Minaret of the Church of San Juan de los Reyes (13th century).

- Casa de Zafra, a 14th-century Hispano-Muslim house, now home to the Albaicín Interpretation Centre.

- Casa del Chapiz (16th century). Current headquarters of the School of Arabic Studies.

- El Bañuelo (11th century), located on the Carrera del Darro.

- The Maristán, a former Nasrid hospital (14th century), on Calle Bañuelo near the Carrera del Darro.

- The Ziri-Nasrid Wall (11th century), running through the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts. It can be seen from the Mirador de San Cristóbal or from the Cerro de San Miguel.

- Dar al-Horra Palace, former residence of Sultan Muley Hacén’s wife, Aixa, mother of Boabdil.

- Gate of Elvira, located at the start of Calle Elvira and also part of the city wall.

- Gate of Fajalauza, situated on the Cuesta de San Gregorio Alto. It takes its name from Fajalauza pottery, as it leads to the former potters’ quarter.

- Gate of Monaita, found on the Carril de la Lona.

- Puerta Nueva or Gate of the Weights, popularly known as the Arco de las Pesas.

- Towers of the Alhacaba, part of the city’s defensive walls.

Modern Period (from the 16th century onwards)

- Carmen Aben Humeya (11th, 15th and 16th centuries – Ziri and Mudéjar styles), located on Cuesta de las Tomasas. Home to the Carlos Ballesta Foundation Museum, featuring a fascinating collection on the history of Granada.

- Carmen de la Victoria (19th century), on Cuesta del Chapiz. Now a university residence.

- Casa de Castril (16th century), on the Carrera del Darro. Now houses the Archaeological Museum of Granada.

- Casa de los Mascarones, located on Calle Pagés. Former home of poet Pedro Soto de Rojas (17th century).

- Casa de Porras, in the square of the same name. A 16th-century Mudéjar house, now a University of Granada Cultural Centre.

- Casa de Yanguas (16th century), on Calle San Buenaventura. Preserves Nasrid and Renaissance architectural elements; today it functions as a hotel.

- Casa del Almirante, located on Calle San José (16th century).

- Casa Morisca Horno de Oro, on Calle Horno de Oro. A Moorish house with a Nasrid ground floor and a 16th-century upper floor.

- Hermitage of San Miguel Alto, situated on Carril de San Miguel.

- Church of El Salvador, on Cuesta del Chapiz.

- Church and Viewpoint of San Cristóbal, on Carretera de Murcia.

- Church of San Gregorio, at the start of the hill that bears its name.

- Church of San Juan de los Reyes, on the street of the same name.

- Church of San Luis de los Franceses, now in ruins.

- Church of San Miguel Bajo, on the square of the same name. Notable for its Mudéjar roof and adjacent 13th-century cistern.

- Church of San Pedro y San Pablo, on the Carrera del Darro.

- Church of Santa Ana, at the beginning of the Carrera del Darro.

- Great Mosque of Granada (2003), on Cuesta de las Cabras.

- Palacio de los Córdova (16th century), at the start of Cuesta del Chapiz. Now houses the Municipal Archive.

- Palacio de los Olvidados, on Cuesta de Santa Inés (16th century). Now home to a museum dedicated to Sephardic culture in Granada, and also hosts flamenco shows.

Viewpoints of the Albayzín

- San Nicolás Viewpoint – Enjoy the best views of the Alhambra from this iconic spot.

- San Cristóbal Viewpoint – Located in one of the highest areas of the Albayzín.

- Placeta de Carvajales Viewpoint – A small hidden gem offering a closer view of the Alhambra.

- San Miguel Alto Viewpoint – Situated on the hill of San Miguel.

- Plaza Victoria Viewpoint – Built on the site of the former orchards of the Convent of La Victoria.

- Santa Isabel la Real Viewpoint – Next to the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real.

- Cruz de Rauda Viewpoint – A small and lesser-known viewpoint on the hill of San Miguel.

How to Get to the Albaicín

On Foot

The lower Albaicín is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Granada, making this the most recommended option. However, keep in mind that the route is steep and has cobbled streets, so comfortable shoes with good grip are advisable. It is also recommended to wear suitable clothing for the season’s temperature and bring water to stay hydrated, as well as sunscreen in summer.
One possible route from the city centre to the Albaicín is via Plaza Nueva, Carrera del Darro, and Paseo de los Tristes. Another option is from Gran Vía, passing through Calle Elvira, Calderería Nueva (also known as the "street of tea houses"), and Cuesta de San Gregorio.

By Car

Due to traffic restrictions, driving to the Albaicín from the centre of Granada takes about 25 minutes. The best route is via the Carretera de Murcia, where you can park at the San Cristóbal car park and then explore the neighbourhood on foot.

By Bus

You can reach the Albaicín by bus from the city centre using lines C31, C32, and C34.

C31 and C34 depart from Plaza Nueva.

C32 departs from Plaza Isabel la Católica.

If you take C31 or C32, you can get off at “Plaza de San Nicolás” or “Camino Nuevo de San Nicolás 7” to start your visit from the upper part of the Albaicín.

If you take C34, which connects the city centre with the Sacromonte, you can get off at “Ctra. Murcia 47 – Col. Ave Mª San Cristóbal”.

By Taxi

Taxis can also take you to the Albaicín, although access is subject to traffic restrictions. Fares vary depending on the distance from your departure point and the time of day.